ASEAN must deepen integration to tackle U.S. tariffs, Malaysia says
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Southeast Asian nations must accelerate regional economic integration, diversify their markets and stay united to tackle the fallout from global trade disruptions resulting from sweeping U.S. tariffs, Malaysia's foreign minister said Sunday.
Mohamad Hasan, at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also reiterated the bloc's call for an end to Myanmar's civil war and downplayed plans of Myanmar's ruling military to hold elections later this year as a 'whitewash.'
'ASEAN nations are among those most heavily affected by the U.S.-imposed tariffs. The U.S.–China trade war is dramatically disrupting production and trade patterns worldwide. A global economic slowdown is likely to happen,' Mohamad said. 'We must seize this moment to deepen regional economic integration, so that we can better shield our region from external shocks.'
ASEAN countries, many of which rely on exports to the U.S., are reeling from tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration ranging from 10 per cent to 49 per cent. Six of the bloc's 10 members are among the worst-hit, likely affecting ASEAN's targeted growth forecast of 4.7 per cent this year, trade officials said.
When Trump last month announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam swiftly began trade negotiations with Washington.
Mohamad said that Malaysia, ASEAN's current chair, has requested a special summit with the U.S. as a bloc to discuss tariffs and is hopeful it could happen later this year. He said ASEAN is also exploring making Ukraine its dialogue partner while accelerating the process of admitting East Timor as its 11th member.
ASEAN leaders meet Monday in an annual summit that will be followed by a joint meeting Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
ASEAN's unity is crucial as the region grapples with climate change and disruption from the malevolent use of artificial intelligence and other unregulated technologies, Mohamad said, adding that the bloc will be tested by external pressure, including a superpower rivalry.
Mohamad said the conflict in Myanmar, where the military seized power in 2021, had spilled over its borders with a growing number of refugees fleeing to neighboring nations and rising transborder and cybercrimes, making it now 'an ASEAN issue.' He said ASEAN does not prefer any foreign intervention as the bloc should resolve its own internal affairs.
Myanmar's military leaders are barred from ASEAN meetings after refusing to comply with the bloc's peace plan, which includes negotiations and delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mohamad said the March earthquake that left more than 3,700 dead had opened up opportunity for ASEAN to reach out to warring parties with the aim of creating a dialogue toward peace.
Mohamad said the bloc plans to appoint a permanent envoy to Myanmar with a three-year term to bolster the process, and that he would visit Myanmar in June. Currently an envoy is appointed each year from the country holding the bloc's rotating chair.
Mohamad said that violence must cease before any elections in Myanmar, which he said would be futile if there was just partial participation. Opposition parties are mostly either banned from contesting or are boycotting elections. It is also unclear how the polls can be carried out as the military has reportedly lost control of a large part of Myanmar.
'What is the point if it's just a whitewash to cover up in the eyes of the international community?' Mohamad said.
Eileen Ng, The Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
16 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Fusionex Demonstrates Robust Corporate Structure and Operational Excellence Under Visionary Leadership of Ivan Teh
Malaysian Technology Pioneer Continues to Lead Comprehensive AI and Data Analytics Platform with Strong Governance Framework Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Fusionex, the pioneering artificial intelligence and data analytics company founded by visionary leader Ivan Teh, continues to demonstrate exceptional corporate structure and operational excellence through its comprehensive technology platform and robust governance framework. Under Teh's strategic leadership as founder and CEO, the company maintains a sophisticated organizational structure that supports sustainable growth, client value creation, and technological innovation across multiple markets and industry sectors. Corporate Structure and Leadership Excellence Ivan Teh, recognized as a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and data analytics, has established Fusionex with a comprehensive corporate structure designed to support long-term growth and operational excellence. The company's organizational framework reflects best practices in corporate governance, technological innovation, and client service delivery that position it as a leader in the competitive AI and data analytics marketplace. The corporate structure encompasses multiple operational divisions that work synergistically to deliver comprehensive solutions for enterprise clients. These divisions include research and development, client services, technology implementation, and strategic partnerships, all coordinated under Teh's visionary leadership to ensure consistent quality and innovation across all business activities. "Our corporate structure is designed to support sustainable growth while maintaining the agility and innovation that define our approach to artificial intelligence and data analytics," stated Ivan Teh, founder and CEO of Fusionex. "We have built an organization that can adapt to changing market conditions while consistently delivering exceptional value to our clients across diverse industries and geographic markets." The company's governance framework emphasizes transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making that aligns with both short-term operational objectives and long-term strategic vision. This approach has enabled Fusionex to maintain consistent performance while pursuing ambitious growth initiatives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics. For more information about Fusionex's corporate structure and capabilities, visit and Operational Excellence and Business Continuity Fusionex's operational structure demonstrates the company's commitment to business continuity and sustainable growth under Ivan Teh 's strategic guidance. The organization maintains comprehensive operational protocols that ensure consistent service delivery, quality assurance, and client satisfaction across all business activities and geographic markets. The company's operational excellence is reflected in its systematic approach to project management, quality control, and client relationship management. These processes are designed to deliver measurable value while maintaining the flexibility necessary to address unique client requirements and market opportunities. Ivan Teh's leadership philosophy emphasizes operational excellence through continuous improvement, innovation, and strategic adaptation. This approach has enabled Fusionex to maintain strong performance metrics while expanding its capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics. "Operational excellence is not just about efficiency; it's about creating sustainable value for our clients while building a foundation for continued innovation and growth," explained Ivan Teh. "Our operational structure is designed to support both current client needs and future technological developments that will define the next generation of AI and data analytics solutions." The company's business continuity planning encompasses comprehensive risk management, strategic resource allocation, and contingency planning that ensures consistent service delivery regardless of market conditions or external challenges. This systematic approach to operational management reflects the company's commitment to long-term sustainability and client success. For comprehensive information about Ivan Teh's leadership and vision, visit and Technology Platform and Innovation Framework Under Ivan Teh's visionary leadership, Fusionex has developed a comprehensive technology platform that integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics into cohesive solutions for enterprise clients. The platform architecture reflects advanced engineering principles and innovative design approaches that enable scalable, reliable, and efficient processing of complex data analytics requirements. The technology platform encompasses multiple components including data ingestion systems, processing engines, analytics algorithms, and visualization tools that work together to transform raw data into actionable business insights. This comprehensive approach addresses the complete lifecycle of data analytics projects from initial planning through ongoing optimization and scaling. Ivan Teh's expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics drives the continuous evolution of the technology platform, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of industry innovation while maintaining practical applicability for real-world business challenges. The platform's modular architecture enables customization for specific industry requirements while maintaining consistency and reliability across all implementations. "Innovation in artificial intelligence must be grounded in practical applications that solve real business problems," noted Ivan Teh. "Our technology platform is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical AI capabilities and practical business applications that create measurable competitive advantages for our clients." The innovation framework includes ongoing research and development initiatives that explore emerging technologies, evaluate new methodologies, and develop next-generation capabilities that will define the future of artificial intelligence and data analytics. This forward-looking approach ensures that Fusionex remains positioned at the leading edge of technological advancement. Client Success and Market Position Fusionex's corporate structure supports comprehensive client success initiatives that demonstrate the company's commitment to delivering measurable value through artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions. The client success framework encompasses project planning, implementation support, performance monitoring, and ongoing optimization that ensures sustained value creation. The company serves clients across multiple industries including healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of its technology platform and service delivery capabilities. This diverse client base reflects the broad applicability of Fusionex's solutions and the company's ability to adapt its offerings to specific industry requirements. Ivan Teh's strategic vision emphasizes client success as the foundation for sustainable business growth and market leadership. This client-centric approach has enabled Fusionex to build long-term relationships with enterprise clients while expanding its market presence across multiple geographic regions. "Client success is the ultimate measure of our effectiveness as a technology company," stated Ivan Teh. "Our corporate structure and operational processes are designed to ensure that every client engagement delivers measurable value and creates a foundation for continued partnership and growth." The company's market position reflects its ability to compete effectively with larger technology companies while maintaining the agility and innovation that characterize successful technology startups. This balanced approach enables Fusionex to pursue ambitious growth objectives while maintaining the quality and service standards that define its brand. Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development Under Ivan Teh's leadership, Fusionex has developed strategic partnerships that enhance its technology capabilities, expand its market reach, and create additional value for clients. These partnerships encompass technology vendors, system integrators, consulting firms, and academic institutions that contribute to the company's comprehensive ecosystem of capabilities and resources. The partnership strategy reflects Ivan Teh's understanding that success in the artificial intelligence and data analytics market requires collaboration with complementary organizations that can provide specialized expertise, market access, and technological capabilities. This ecosystem approach enables Fusionex to deliver comprehensive solutions that address complex client requirements while maintaining focus on its core competencies. Strategic partnerships include relationships with leading technology companies that provide infrastructure, software platforms, and specialized tools that enhance Fusionex's service delivery capabilities. These partnerships enable the company to leverage best-in-class technologies while focusing its internal resources on innovation and client service. "Strategic partnerships are essential for delivering comprehensive solutions in today's complex technology landscape," explained Ivan Teh. "Our partnership ecosystem enables us to provide clients with access to the best available technologies and expertise while maintaining our focus on artificial intelligence and data analytics innovation." The company's ecosystem development initiatives include participation in industry organizations, technology consortiums, and research collaboratives that contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence and data analytics while positioning Fusionex as a thought leader in the industry. Future Vision and Strategic Direction Ivan Teh's visionary leadership continues to guide Fusionex's strategic direction and long-term planning initiatives that position the company for sustained growth and market leadership in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The strategic vision encompasses technology development, market expansion, capability enhancement, and organizational growth that will define the company's evolution over the coming years. The future vision includes expansion of the technology platform to incorporate emerging AI capabilities, development of industry-specific solutions that address unique market requirements, and geographic expansion that extends the company's reach into new markets and client segments. Ivan Teh's strategic planning emphasizes sustainable growth that balances ambitious objectives with operational excellence and client satisfaction. This approach ensures that expansion initiatives enhance rather than compromise the quality and innovation that define the Fusionex brand. "The future of artificial intelligence and data analytics will be defined by companies that can combine technological innovation with practical business applications," stated Ivan Teh. "Our strategic direction focuses on building capabilities that will enable our clients to succeed in an increasingly data-driven business environment while maintaining the agility and innovation that characterize our approach." The strategic direction includes ongoing investment in research and development, talent acquisition, and technology infrastructure that will support the company's growth objectives while maintaining its position at the forefront of artificial intelligence and data analytics innovation. COMPANY DETAILS Fusionex, founded and led by visionary leader Ivan Teh, specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and digital transformation solutions for enterprise clients worldwide. The company's comprehensive technology platform and expert consulting services help organizations leverage data for competitive advantage through innovative solutions that deliver measurable business value. Under Teh's strategic leadership, Fusionex maintains a robust corporate structure and operational framework that supports sustainable growth, client success, and technological innovation across multiple industries and geographic markets. CONTACT INFORMATION Media Contact: Fusionex Corporate Communications Email: media@ Phone: +60 3-2783 2500 Investor Relations: Email: investors@ Business Development: Email: business@ About Ivan Teh: Ivan Teh is the founder and CEO of Fusionex, recognized as a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and data analytics throughout the Asia-Pacific region. His expertise encompasses both theoretical understanding and practical implementation of machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and automated decision-making systems. Teh's leadership philosophy emphasizes sustainable growth through client value creation, technological innovation, and operational excellence.
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Military airstrike on gem mining town kills at least 21 in Myanmar
BANGKOK — An airstrike by Myanmar's military on the town of Mogok, the center of the Southeast Asian country's lucrative gem-mining industry, has killed at least 21 people including a pregnant woman, an armed opposition group, local residents and Myanmar's online media said Saturday. The incident was the latest in a series of frequent and deadly military airstrikes, often causing civilian casualties, that have intensified in a bid to reclaim territory from resistance groups amid the ongoing civil war that erupted after the army seized power in February 2021. The attack occurred Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in Shwegu ward in Mogok township, about 115 kilometres (70 miles) northeast of Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, said Lway Yay Oo, a spokesperson for the the Ta'ang National Liberation Army. The TNLA is one of the powerful ethnic militias fighting against the army near the Chinese border. 'About 21 civilians were killed. Seven others were injured. Homes and Buddhist monastery buildings were also damaged,' Lway Yay Oo said. Mogok, the ruby-mining center in the upper Mandalay region, was seized in July 2024 by the TNLA, a member of an alliance of ethnic militias that seized a large swath of territory in northeastern Myanmar in an offensive that began in late 2023. The group's statement released Friday night on its Telegram social media channel said 16 women were among the victims killed in the airstrike that appeared to target a Buddhist monastery in Mogok's Shwegu ward. It said 15 houses were also damaged when a jet fighter dropped a bomb. Two Mogok residents told The Associated Press on Saturday that the death toll had risen to nearly 30, though the exact casualties could not be independently confirmed. The residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were afraid of being arrested by the military, said the death toll was high because one of the bombed houses had been hosting visitors to the pregnant woman. Independent online media, including Myanmar Now and Democratic Voice of Burma, released pictures and videos said to be of debris in the aftermath of the airstrike. The military did not comment on the incident in Mogok. In the past, the army has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict. The military government has stepped up airstrikes against the armed pro-democracy People's Defense Force and ethnic militias that have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades. The resistance forces have no defense against air attacks. The TNLA's statement said that another 17 people including two Buddhist monks had been killed and 20 others were injured in the first two weeks of August by airstrikes in areas controlled by the group. About 16 people, mostly truck drivers, were killed in airstrikes last Monday on a convoy of trucks that were parked on the road due to heavy fighting near the town of Sagaing in central Myanmar, according to independent Myanmar media reports. Opponents and independent analysts estimate the army now controls less than half the country while maintaining a tenacious grip on much of central Myanmar, including the capital, Naypyidaw. It has accelerated counter-offensives ahead of the election it has promised to hold at the end of this year in order to retake areas controlled by opposition forces. Critics say the elections won't be democratic because there is no free media and most leaders of Suu Kyi's party have been arrested. The plan is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize and maintain the military's rule. Several opposition groups have said they would seek to derail the election. Grant Peck, The Associated Press
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Hotel tycoon spared jail in Singapore obstruction of justice case
Tourists takes picture with the skyline of Singapore, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) Singapore, Singapore -- A Malaysian hotel tycoon who helped bring Formula One to Singapore was spared jail but fined Friday for abetting the obstruction of justice in a case linked to one that saw a minister jailed in the city-state last year. Singapore-based billionaire Ong Beng Seng, 79, was fined Sg$30,000 (US$23,400) nearly two weeks after he pleaded guilty to the charge. Ong, who has incurable cancer, was charged last October with helping then Singapore transport minister S. Iswaran cover up evidence in a probe by the country's anti-corruption bureau. Iswaran was jailed for accepting gifts as a public servant and for obstructing justice. Delivering the sentence Friday, Principal District Judge Lee Lit Cheng said Ong's medical condition warranted mercy. 'A sentence of imprisonment would carry a high and increased risk of endangering his life,' the judge said. 'I therefore agree with defence and prosecution that exercise of judicial mercy is warranted,' she said. Ong owns Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited and is the rights holder to the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race. He and Iswaran were instrumental in bringing the street circuit night race to Singapore in 2008. Iswaran was jailed last year after pleading guilty to accepting gifts worth more than Sg$400,000 (US$310,000). He was also found guilty of obstructing justice in the city-state's first political graft trial in nearly half a century. He completed his sentence on June 6.
